Grand Canyon visitors know that finding a parking spot in the peak summer months is almost as daunting as hiking the Bright Angel Trail.

The solution is simple: Leave your car in Tusayan and hop aboard a free Grand Canyon shuttle bus for the 7-mile ride to the South Rim.

The shuttle service was so popular last year that it will be offered for an additional five weeks this year. From May 7-Oct. 9, buses will run every 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. daily, dropping riders at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. From there visitors can walk to Mather Point, one of the most popular overlooks, or take shuttle buses to Market Plaza, Grand Canyon Village or Hermit's Rest.

The Tusayan shuttle bypasses the long lines at the park's entrance station. On the busiest days, motorists may wait in line 45 minutes to enter.

There's no charge to hop on the shuttle, but riders must first purchase a park-entry pass. The fee is $15 per person and riders will need to buy a pass before boarding the shuttle. Passes are good for seven days.

In 2015, the shuttle had about 143,000 boardings, up from 88,000 in 2014 and resulting in a reduction of about 24,000 cars entering the park, according to the National Park Service.The shuttle makes four stops in Tusayan: IMAX Theater/R.P.'s Stage Stop, Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn, the Grand Hotel and Big E Steakhouse and Saloon. Shuttle users can park anywhere in Tusayan, including the park-and-ride lot at the north end of town.

And if you plan to cycle inside the park, the shuttle has room for three bikes. Enjoy.